Nicaragua

The bus from the border took us to Rivas, a shady and very dodgy looking town half the way to Granada which was where we were hoping to get to before dark. Nonetheless, some sharp thinking and a quick change of plan saw us heading to Isla Ometepe, and the last ferry was in 5 minutes so we had to rush!



On this adventure were 5 of us. We met Toer and Wim (vanuit Amersfoort!) shoulder to shoulder on the bus and then Mark (Americano) once in the taxi! The Island is made up from 2 large volcanos that rise out of the lake! It was unbelievably cool. We found a cheap and relaxed hostel and ordered 4 beers (and one coke) and had a good time getting to know one another. The next day - old adventure boy Steven had the good idea to find the port by bike so we can see where the ferry leaves to Granada (our next destination). I didnt learn my lesson in Panama did I?



Nooooooooooooo



It was a gruelling 50km there and back and I managed it in 6 hours. Up and down hills, mud tracks, dirt roads everything. Once again. But at least not so bad as before. I found the port, got the information i wanted and rode back with a friendly local guy called Raul, absolutely starving, thirsty and with the sorest ass ever.

The next day was luxury compared to this. We rented a JEEP! A big white off road jeep, and it was great. This was how to travel the island. We travelled to all the cool spots, little beaches, and water holes and returned back with huge smiles on our faces and a wicked day was had by all.





That night though was the night we left by 'ferry' to Granada. It was meant to leave at 12.30 am which is late! but it didnt show up until 1.30am. We were very tired but had to wait (as weve been getting used to here) another 2 hours for them to load the Bananas on. Yes not only chicken buses but Banana boats are the preferred mode of transport for yours truly. And then there were no seats so we slept 4 hours on deck chairs, which we also had to pay extra for!



But ha! it was worth all that shit because Granada. Was. Spectacular.











An old colonial town with big old cathedrals, lovely paved pedestrian streets following bars and restaurants, a huge busy hectic market place and some nice friendly people. A good place to stay for Christmas. And we were not disappointed. We did a day walking tour around the city, took lots of photos and even found a beach hotel which had a fantastic pool and swimming area for only $5 a day! PERRRRRFECTO! Every night we played cards with our new dutch friends Toer and Wim, drank lots of beers and rum and really enjoyed the vibe of the city and making a plan for Christmas. We decided Toer and Wim would cook on Christmas day and Shireen and I would cook on 2nd Christmas day. Stew and Mexican is was! hahaha very christmassy it wasnt but we had a super time and it was all delicious.

We stay 1 night in the capital, Managua and tomorrow we head through Honduras to El Salvador! The road continues!